Boating Under the Influence

“TWRA would like boating fans to realize the effects and consequences of alcohol consumption while boating. In a boat on the water, drinking a single beer is the same as drinking three beers on land due to external stresses for instance engine vibration, wave motion and glare from the sun. Operating a boat with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher is illegal in Tennessee, the same as operating an automobile.”

Numerous Tennesseans enjoy water sports as a favorite hobby. It is also a criminal offense in Tennessee to operate a boat or any other watercraft while under the influence of alcohol. Again, the BAC limit in Tennessee for operating a watercraft is .08 percent. Most often, the same field sobriety tests and Breathalyzer tests are used for boating under the influence as they are for driving under the influence.

That said, the crime and punishments are not the same as DUI and there are several defenses you can raise to BUI that may not be available for DUI. Tennessee law also provides certain legal exceptions in boating under the influence (BUI) cases.

The penalties for BUI are as follows:

BUI 1st Offense

Fine: $250.00 minimum, $2,500.00 maximum

Jail: Up to 11 months and 29 days

Boating License may be suspended for up to one year

BUI 2nd Offense

Fine: $500.00 minimum, $2,500.00 maximum

Jail: Up to 11 Months and 29 days

Boating License will be suspended for two years

BUI 3rd Offense or more

Fine: $1,000.00 minimum, $5,000.00 maximum

Jail: Minimum of 30 days, Maximum up to 11 months and 29 days

Boating License will be suspended for 3 years minimum, 10 years maximum

Hire An Experienced DUI Defense Attorney For Your BUI Defense

If you are arrested for BUI in Tennessee, you should promptly consult with a skilled Knoxville DUI attorney about the facts of your case to preserve defenses and avoid the onerous penalties involved with a BUI conviction.

Due to the similarities in why individuals are arrested for boating under the influence and for driving under the influence, individuals charged with BUI in Tennessee should seek a Knoxville lawyer experienced in the complexities of drunk driving defense.

It is also just as important in BUI cases as it is in driving under the influence cases that the defense investigation begins as soon as possible following the police arrest in order to obtain the best possible chance of a successful outcome.